Like several airlines before it, United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) Tuesday fell in line with what is likely to be the new normal among frequent traveler programs in the United States.

The Chicago-based carrier said today that beginning March 1, 2015, MileagePlus members will receive mileage credit based on the price of their ticket rather than the number of miles flown, which had been the norm in United's program since it was launched.

The mileage earned will be calculated based on the base fare paid plus whatever surcharges United imposes -- factored with the MileagePlus member's elite frequent traveler status with United.

Passengers who have no elite status will earn 5 award miles for every dollar spent, and Premier Silver elite members will earn 7 miles per dollar spent. Premier Gold members get 8 miles, Premier Platinum 9 miles and top-tier Premier 1K members will get 11 miles per dollar spent in the new program.

Though there has been pushback from some travelers when other airlines previously introduced similar programs, including Delta Airlines (NYSE: DAL), Southwest (NYSE: LUV) and JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU), the ticket price-based format has stuck. And there appears to be no turning back.

Of the nation's major carriers, only American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) has yet to make a similar change. But it appears likely AA will follow suit once its merger with U.S. Airways is complete, and the two airlines have completely merged their respective frequent traveler programs.

As with the carriers who previously revamped their program, United said it's all about rewarding those who travel frequently on the airline and spend the most. Noted Thomas F. O'Toole, United's senior vice president of marketing and loyalty and president for MileagePlus: "These changes are designed to more directly recognize the value of our members when they fly United."

United said the new program based on ticket price will apply to all MileagePlus members who travel on United and United Express flights and most tickets that United issues for travel on partner airlines that are Star Alliance members.

United also said starting next year it will offer MileagePlus members the chance to use award miles to upgrade to Economy Plus seats with extra legroom for single flights, as well as subscriptions for Economy Plus and checked baggage.

The previously introduced changes United made in the way MileagePlus members earn elite status will not change in 2015, the carrier said. Elite status will be based on a combination of mileage points accrued and money spent on tickets over the course of the year.